So many MBA scholarships abroad usually require GMAT or IELTS. But getting this FMAT or IELTS is not always easy for many candidates.
GMAT prep books cost money. IELTS training centers are expensive. Exam fees are not smiling either, and to make matters worse, dates and centers are often limited. For someone who just wants to pursue a life-changing MBA program abroad, it feels unfair to be judged solely by test scores.
But the good news is that there are always fully legit MBA scholarships that don’t require GMAT or IELTS, and these schools are not “low standard” or hidden in one corner of the world. They are always top-ranked universities in Canada, the UK, Germany, and even the US.
These opportunities are still open, and some have fully funded MBA options with international student financial aid, stipends, internship support, and even relocation assistance.
Why Some MBA Programs No More Require GMAT and IELTS
In the last few years, especially since COVID shook the education world, many business schools realized that test scores were blocking too many capable students, especially from developing countries like Nigeria. They needed to diversify their applicant pool, and they discovered that some of their best students never had “perfect scores” but brought something more valuable: real-life experience. So, they changed the rules.
Some universities made GMAT optional; others completely scrapped it. As for IELTS, they started accepting alternatives like proof that your first degree was taught in English or even a simple letter from your school registrar.
Today, schools want to know: What have you done? What do you want to build? Can you contribute something meaningful to the classroom? Can you express yourself in clear, fluent English? If you can address those concerns, then your chances of getting an MBA without GMAT or IELTS are higher than you think.
MBA Programs Accepting Students Without GMAT/IELTS
1. Kingston University
If you are looking for an MBA scholarship that actually understands what it means to be from a country like Nigeria where GMAT and IELTS are not always accessible, then Kingston University in London should be one of your first stops.
They don’t require the GMAT. Instead of focusing on your ability to pass one exam, Kingston cares more about your real-life work experience and your ability to show leadership and clear thinking during the admission interview. They want people who can lead businesses, not just people who can pass tests.
IELTS also is not a barrier here. If your undergraduate education was in English (like most Nigerian degrees), you can apply for an IELTS waiver. They simply need a letter from your former school stating that English was your medium of instruction.
When it comes to money, Kingston is not just offering admission and leaving you stranded. They provide internal tuition grants of up to £10,000. And you don’t need a separate scholarship application, they consider you automatically if you meet their requirements and standard.
2. University of Dundee
Dundee is another UK university that has quietly become a top choice for Nigerians who want to study abroad without GMAT or IELTS stress.
They have one of the most flexible admission policies for MBA applicants from Africa. You don’t need a GMAT score to apply. They will assess you based on your academic background and especially your work experience. If you have worked for at least three years, you are already in a strong position.
Now, what if you don’t have IELTS? No problem either. Just like Kingston, Dundee accepts a letter from your university confirming that your undergrad was taught in English. And if you still need proof of English fluency, your admission interview can also serve that purpose.
Dundee offers up to £8,000 in MBA scholarships for international students. It’s not automatic, so you will need to apply or tick the right boxes when applying for admission. But once you get in, your study abroad expenses reduce significantly.
This is the kind of school that understands context. They know that Nigerian students bring value, and they make it easier for you to come and prove yourself.
4. XLRI – Xavier School of Management (India)
Many Nigerians don’t think about India for MBA, but schools like XLRI are internationally respected and their flexibility makes them a great option if you are looking for MBA admission without standardized tests.
XLRI runs a Global MBA program and accepts international students without GMAT or GRE if you have significant professional experience, especially five years and above. But even if you don’t have that much experience, you can still reach out to admissions and request a waiver.
Their approach is simple: if you can show that you have worked, led people, managed budgets, or handled real-world challenges, they will listen.
For IELTS, they won’t ask for it either if your medium of instruction was English and you can prove you are fluent during their admission interview. Many Nigerian students have passed through this path without needing any official language test.
The scholarship part? XLRI offers merit-based fellowships that can cover up to 40% of your tuition. While that might not sound like full funding, when you compare tuition costs in India to places like the UK or US, you will see it’s a good deal. Plus, India has a lower cost of living, which means your total study expenses will still be very affordable.
5. University of New Brunswick in Canada
One of the universities offering MBA programs without GMAT/IELTS is the University of New Brunswick in Canada. Their MBA program allows experienced applicants to apply without a GMAT, especially if you have a solid academic record and relevant work history. You can also get the IELTS waived by submitting a letter from your former university confirming your undergraduate degree was fully taught in English.
6. Durham University Business School in the UK
Another university is the Durham University Business School in the UK. Here, the GMAT is not compulsory, and they give scholarships to African students who show leadership potential. A few Nigerian students have even secured up to 50% tuition reduction without any test score at all, just solid work experience and a clear career vision.
7. Universities in Germany, Ireland, US, etc.
Many universities in Germany, Ireland, and the US also offer MBA scholarships without GMAT/IELTS. Many of them now focus on attracting applicants from Africa and offer international student financial aid or MBA fellowships that don’t ask for standardized tests
Requirements for MBA Scholarships Without GMAT or IELTS
If you are applying for any MBA program that doesn’t require GMAT or IELTS, then everything else you submit becomes even more important.
1. Your Statement of Purpose
This is just like your personal sales pitch. It may contain the following: Why you want to study an MBA, Why this school/program? What goals you’re chasing, What you have done in your life so far, How this MBA will help you grow your business, career, or community. And if you are skipping IELTS/GMAT, how are you still academically and mentally ready for the challenge?
2. Your CV
This is not your regular “two-page CV” that we use for jobs in Nigeria. For business schools, your CV must reflect growth, leadership, impact, and relevance.
Here, a good CV should highlight: Projects you’ve led, Promotions or achievements, Community involvement, Certifications (even Google or Coursera ones), Entrepreneurial experience
3. Your References
Pick people who know your strengths: a lecturer, manager, business partner, or even your supervisor from NYSC, if they will speak well of you. Their recommendation matters more in these kinds of applications, since test scores are missing.
Can You Work or Get Jobs With an MBA Without GMAT?
Yes, and in many cases, even better.
Once you finish your MBA in Canada, the UK, Germany, or Ireland, you are eligible for postgraduate work permits. Employers almost never ask whether you used GMAT or IELTS to gain admission. What they want to see is what you studied, what you know, and what you can bring to the company. So don’t worry, skipping the test won’t affect your job chances.
Conclusion
Waiting for “the perfect time” is how many people miss out. If you have been thinking about doing your MBA, and test scores are the only thing holding you back, then there are options for you. Yes, you can get into top MBA programs without GMAT or IELTS. Yes, you can get scholarships and international funding without any exam.
Start gathering your documents. Research schools that offer test waivers. Prepare a strong statement of purpose and other necessary documents and submit your application. You could be lucky.